"Republicans haven't done anything to the city of Chicago for 80 years. The current conditions are due exclusively to Democratic rule," he said.

Carter said he would help bring back the Main Street businesses of Southern Illinois if elected. He would accomplish this by communicating strategies that work with county and city treasurers all across the state.

Sue Bethel who recently suffered a brain aneurism and resultant surgery was recovered well enough to lead the group in singing "God Bless America" and "America the Beautiful."